AFP, WIGAN - Wigan have signed Lee Cattermole from rival Premier League side Middlesbrough, it was announced Tuesday.

The England Under-21 midfielder has joined on a three-year contract for a reported 3.5 million pounds (7 million dollars).

Having made his first senior start for local side Boro in a derby against Newcastle when he was still a teenager in January 2006, Cattermole, went on to be used as a substitute in that season's UEFA Cup final, which they lost to Sevilla.

But having broken through at Boro when former England coach Steve McClaren was in charge, he failed to make headway when Gareth Southgate took over as manager at the Riverside.

However, Wigan manager Steve Bruce was in no doubt of Cattermole's potential, telling the Latics' official website: "He's young, he's courageous, he's a tireless worker and I think he can have a great career in football, hopefully for this club.

"He only turned 20 in April, and already he has played nearly 70 games in the Premier League, as well as in the UEFA Cup. That's exceptional.